Caligo'sKeeper

Hi,

I don't know much about heaters. I haven't had tropicals since I was about 10... LOL.

I was wondering how to read the thermometer (on the outside of the tank) it has 3 colored squares (yellow, green, and blue) I set the heater to 80 (it's a marineland 150 watt) and the yellow square on the outside thermometer is at 86, the green is at 82, and the blue at 78. I was going for about 80... what temp do I have?

PS. The tank doesn't have fish yet, but I read they like it between 78 and 82 so I thought 80 was good.

Also the light on the heater is still on, should I turn it down?
Thanks!

Lucy

I use a thermometer that goes inside the tank. The ones that stick on the outside from what I understand, picks up the temp of the air.
If the heater is working properly, it'll shut off when the water reaches he temp you set.
When did you add the heater?

Caligo'sKeeper

Thanks, I put the heater in last night and set the temp this AM.

Lucy

If this is one of your 30g's it can take a while for the water to reach the set temp.
Also be aware, even the best heaters can be off a couple of degrees.

alicem

I have a few stick on thermoms. too. Agreed, they probably aren't the most accurate and are difficult (for me) to read.
When 2 squares are showing color I assume the temp is in between.
For example, if 78 = blue and 82 = green, when they are both kind of lit up ... but not true colors, then the temp is between = 80.
(that's kind of hard to describe, I hope you understand what I meant)
Also, when I've wanted to be really precise, I'll use a glass thermom. to find the temp and make a mark
on the glass beside the strip where color is showing.
hth,
alicem

ZomZom

The directions I've seen state that green is the correct temperature. Yellow is high and blue is low.

Lifesabeach

I think I've tried them all. Glass thermometer for me with BIG numbers so I can see! And yes, my experience is the water is warmer than what the heater is set.

aquarist48

Hello. I had a difficult time with the stick on, outside thermometers too. I switched to the glass ones with the suction cup. I keep it in my filter so It doesn't have to go inside the tank.
Ken

Borisbbadd

Thats what I need,

I have an outside strip on my 29 gal. that is pretty big, but the one on my betta tank is way too small for this old guys eyes.

I can't see anything up close, but my wife can't see far away, so between us both we make a pretty good tag team.